Katpana Desert (Skardu) FAQs In 2026 - 2027

The Katpana Desert, often referred to as the 'Cold Desert', is a high-altitude desert located near Skardu, in Pakistan's Gilgit-Baltistan region. It's notable for its unique landscape with sand dunes that are often covered with a layer of snow in the winter—a rare sight, as deserts typically are associated with hot and arid climates.

The Katpana Desert is situated in the Skardu Valley, specifically near the town of Skardu in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of northern Pakistan. It extends from the Khaplu Valley to Nubra, Ladakh, and Shigar, Skardu's Cold Desert has high dunes which are a strange phenomenon in a land of freezing temperatures.

The best time to visit the Katpana Desert is from April to October when the weather is relatively more moderate, and the roads are accessible. However, if you wish to see the sand dunes covered in snow, the winter months offer a unique perspective of the desert.